Are Sub-Zero and Scorpion Brothers?: Unraveling the Mortal Kombat Kinship
No, Sub-Zero and Scorpion are not blood brothers. However, their relationship is incredibly complex and deeply intertwined with familial revenge, shared history, and eventual uneasy alliances.
The Icy Truth and Fiery Past: Diving into Mortal Kombat Lore
The question of whether Sub-Zero and Scorpion are brothers is a persistent one within the Mortal Kombat fanbase, fueled by their intense rivalry and shared connection to tragedy. To understand the truth, we need to delve into the intricate lore established across multiple games, comics, and movies. It’s a narrative tapestry woven with clan rivalries, elemental powers, and spectral vengeance.
Understanding the Lin Kuei and Shirai Ryu
The foundation of the Sub-Zero/Scorpion dynamic lies in the conflict between their respective ninja clans: the Lin Kuei and the Shirai Ryu.
- Lin Kuei: Sub-Zero’s clan, known for their discipline and mastery of cryogenic arts. They operate with a strict code, often shrouded in secrecy.
- Shirai Ryu: Scorpion’s clan, once considered rivals of the Lin Kuei, were renowned for their agility and lethal fighting skills. They met a tragic end at the hands of Quan Chi, a powerful sorcerer.
This rivalry, though significant, doesn’t indicate a familial bond. Rather, it sets the stage for the personal tragedies that will forever link Scorpion and Sub-Zero.
Unmasking Sub-Zero: Two Brothers, One Legacy
The mantle of Sub-Zero is actually held by two brothers:
- Bi-Han (Original Sub-Zero): The elder brother, a cold and ruthless assassin, was the Sub-Zero responsible for Scorpion’s original death. He was later resurrected as the shadow warrior Noob Saibot.
- Kuai Liang (Current Sub-Zero): The younger brother, a more honorable warrior, took up the mantle of Sub-Zero after Bi-Han’s demise. He seeks to atone for his brother’s sins and restore honor to the Lin Kuei.
It is Bi-Han, the first Sub-Zero, that carries the weight of Scorpion’s vengeful animosity.
Scorpion’s Quest for Vengeance
Scorpion, originally named Hanzo Hasashi, was a skilled Shirai Ryu warrior who was brutally murdered along with his clan and family. Resurrected as a specter by the necromancer Quan Chi, he is driven by an insatiable thirst for revenge against Sub-Zero (Bi-Han), whom he believes is responsible for the massacre.
However, the truth is more complex. Quan Chi manipulated Scorpion into believing Sub-Zero was the culprit, obscuring his own role in the destruction of the Shirai Ryu.
The Evolving Relationship
Over the course of the Mortal Kombat narrative, Scorpion eventually discovers Quan Chi’s deception. This revelation leads to a gradual shift in his relationship with the current Sub-Zero (Kuai Liang). They eventually form a reluctant alliance, recognizing their shared enemy and the need to fight for the greater good. While not brothers, they develop a respect born from shared tragedy and mutual understanding.
| Character | Clan | Relationship to Scorpion | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bi-Han | Lin Kuei | Nemesis | Original Sub-Zero, responsible (mistakenly) for Scorpion’s family’s death |
| Kuai Liang | Lin Kuei | Ally (eventually) | Younger Sub-Zero, seeks redemption for his brother’s actions |
| Hanzo Hasashi | Shirai Ryu | Self | Scorpion, driven by vengeance. |
| Quan Chi | N/A | Manipulator | Sorcerer responsible for Shirai Ryu’s destruction. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do people think Sub-Zero and Scorpion are brothers?
The confusion likely stems from their intense rivalry, shared history involving the Lin Kuei and Shirai Ryu clans, and the fact that both are central characters in the Mortal Kombat universe. Additionally, the constant reboots and alternate timelines within the franchise can blur the lines of their relationship.
Who killed Scorpion’s family?
Quan Chi was the mastermind behind the Shirai Ryu’s destruction. He hired Sub-Zero (Bi-Han) to retrieve a map from an ancient temple and then slaughtered the Shirai Ryu clan himself, framing Sub-Zero to manipulate Scorpion into becoming his undead enforcer.
Is Kuai Liang related to Hanzo Hasashi in any way?
No. While Kuai Liang, the current Sub-Zero, is not related to Hanzo Hasashi by blood, their relationship evolves from animosity to a tenuous alliance and mutual respect as they both fight against common enemies.
Did Bi-Han know about Quan Chi’s plans?
No. Bi-Han was merely a pawn in Quan Chi’s scheme. He was hired to retrieve a map and had no knowledge of the subsequent massacre of the Shirai Ryu.
What happened to Bi-Han after Scorpion killed him?
After his death at the hands of Scorpion, Bi-Han was resurrected as Noob Saibot, a wraith-like ninja serving the Netherrealm. He loses all memory of his former life and becomes a being of pure darkness.
Is Noob Saibot related to Sub-Zero?
Yes. Noob Saibot is the resurrected Bi-Han, the original Sub-Zero. Therefore, he is the older brother of Kuai Liang, the current Sub-Zero.
Does Scorpion ever forgive Sub-Zero?
Yes and no. He eventually learns the truth about Quan Chi’s role in his family’s death and acknowledges that the current Sub-Zero (Kuai Liang) is not responsible. While he may not fully forgive Bi-Han’s actions, his animosity towards the Sub-Zero mantle diminishes.
What is the relationship between Scorpion and Takeda Takahashi?
In some timelines, Scorpion trains Takeda Takahashi, the son of Kenshi, becoming a mentor figure. This shows a capacity for Scorpion to form positive relationships outside of his quest for vengeance.
Are there alternate timelines where Sub-Zero and Scorpion are brothers?
While there are many alternate timelines explored in Mortal Kombat, none explicitly depict Sub-Zero and Scorpion as biological brothers. Their shared history and intertwined fates remain consistent across most variations.
Does Scorpion ever rebuild the Shirai Ryu?
Yes. In some timelines, Scorpion dedicates himself to rebuilding the Shirai Ryu clan, training new warriors and restoring its honor. This demonstrates his commitment to rebuilding his legacy after enduring so much tragedy.
How has Quan Chi impacted the Mortal Kombat storyline?
Quan Chi is a major antagonist in the Mortal Kombat universe, responsible for orchestrating numerous conflicts and manipulating key characters. His actions directly influence the storylines of both Sub-Zero and Scorpion.
Will Sub-Zero and Scorpion ever truly be friends?
While a close friendship seems unlikely given their history, the current iteration of their relationship is one of respect and uneasy alliance. They recognize the importance of working together to combat greater threats to Earthrealm and beyond. The future of their dynamic remains to be seen.